Man sentenced to 16 years for stabbing woman in Ferring

A man has been given a 16-year prison sentence for attacking a woman at his address in Ferring, causing her serious knife injuries.

Kenneth Noble, 69, retired, of Beehive Lane, Ferring, was sentenced at Lewes Crown Court on Wednesday 29 June, having previously pleaded guilty to the assault on the 64-year-old woman, who was known to him, on 27 September last year.

He was also given a Restraining Order, prohibiting him from any further contact with the victim for life.

The prosecution, authorised by the CPS, followed an investigation by officers from the West Sussex Safeguarding Investigations Unit.

The incident was confined to the flat, and there was no risk to the wider community.

Detective Constable Kat Wilkins said; "The victim sustained three knife wounds to her neck and defensive wounds to her hands, and was taken to hospital in a very serious condition, but thankfully has since recovered from her injuries.

"This was a violent and unprovoked attack on a defenceless woman but her cries were mercifully heard by a neighbour who got help from some nearby workmen. Two electricians in particular bravely tackled Noble, taking the knife from him and preventing even more serious harm, and restraining him with the aid of cable ties until police arrived soon afterwards.

A HIgh Sheriff’s Award of £500 each will be made to both men. Judge Christine Laing said in court: “Both showed conspicuous bravery in dealing with Mr Noble who was armed with a knife. Each of them when faced with a sight of a man armed with knife attacking the woman displayed an immediate instinct to run towards the knifeman. ....It is only right that the court, High Sheriff and County of West Sussex publicly acknowledge their actions. They will later be invited to a public ceremony for the award.”